Make an MP3 CD Using iTunes

Whether you need to burn your music to a disc in order to play it in your car, or you want to go retro and create a physical MP3 mixtape (or mix CD, as it were), iTunes can create MP3 CDs of playlists, albums, or any musical arrangement you want. The process is the same whether you're using a Mac or a PC.

Steps

Creating an iTunes playlist

  1. Download and install latest version of iTunes. The latest version of iTunes is on Apple’s website.
    • The download page automatically detects whether you're on a Mac or a PC and the appropriate version for your operating system.
  2. Open iTunes. If after installation you do not have a shortcut to iTunes on your desktop, the app can be located in other places on your computer.
    • macOS: iTunes is by default in your Dock; click it open it. It is also in the Applications folder.
    • Windows: iTunes is located in the Programs folder. Double-click to open it.
  3. Create a new playlist. iTunes playlists organize your music selections so they can be burned on a CD. Personalize your playlist with an awesome name, if you’d like.
    • Open the File menu on the top-left of your screen.
    • Select New.
    • Select Playlist.
  4. Open the playlist. Click on the playlist’s name in the navigation pane on the left side of iTunes.
  5. Add songs to the playlist. You can add drag and drop songs into your playlist using the Edit Playlist link.
    • Click the Edit Playlist link located under your playlist’s name. Your playlist will now have its own separate panel on the right side of the app.
    • Click on the song of your choice.
    • Drag the song into the playlist panel.
  6. Arrange songs in the playlist to your liking. If you want to rearrange the order in which songs will be played once burned onto the CD, move them to different places on the list.
    • Click on a song in the playlist.
    • Drag your selection to another spot. The playlist will update its track listing.

Burning the MP3 CD

  1. Insert a CD into your computer’s disc drive. Though it’s possible to burn playlists onto CD-RW discs, many devices cannot read them. It’s best to use a CD-R disc.
    • If your computer doesn’t have a CD drive, you can buy one online.
  2. Start the burning process. Soon, your legendary mix will be immortalized in physical media!
    • In the File menu, click Burn Playlist to Disc.
    • In the settings menu that appears, choose MP3 CD format.
    • Click the Burn button. Your songs will then be burned onto the CD. A progress bar shows you how much time is left in the process.
  3. Make sure the burning completes without error. Wait for the message to pop up saying your CD burn was successful.

Things You'll Need

  • Blank CD. For maximum compatibility with CD players, CD-Rs are recommended.
  • CD drive.
  • Songs in MP3 format.
  • iTunes

Tips

  • Be sure to stay within your CD’s capacity. Attempting to add more songs than a CD can store will result in an error. You’ll then have to trim your playlist accordingly.
  • Songs purchased through iTunes are AAC audio files, which cannot be burned onto MP3 CDs.
    • You can convert songs to MP3 or other formats like WAV or AIFF. [1]
    • You can also select the Audio CD format instead of the MP3 CD format in Part 3, Step 2.

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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204310
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